Program Manager Jobs in Jackson, MI (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Manager is responsible for leading assigned programs in alignment with Tenneco program management processes and performance expectations. This leadership role drives cross-functional execution from customer quote thru SOP, and includes launch planning to ensure program timing, quality, financial, safety, and delivery targets are achieved.

This position plays a key role in advancing The Tenneco Way by fostering strong collaboration, driving accountability, simplifying execution, escalating issues with clarity, and maintaining a relentless focus on delivering results for customers and the business. The Program Manager will lead several programs and serves as the central point leader for coordination across plants, suppliers, customers, and functional teams.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead assigned programs in compliance with Tenneco program management processes from Gate 1 through Gate 7, including Gate closure objectives.

Drive flawless launch performance and achievement of program targets, including safety, quality, delivery, financial objectives

Serve as the central communication point across program teams, ensuring alignment with Engineering, Sales, Finance, Quality, Purchasing, plants, and Launch Managers

Lead effective program team meetings and customer review meetings to support execution, issue identification and resolution, and decision-making

Identify program risks early, develop mitigation plans, execute the Red Flag process when needed, and escalate issues to leadership in a timely manner

Manage program scope change process and approval, with emphasis on customer changes

Manage program trade-off analysis by balancing cost, timing, product, and resources

Develop and maintain high-quality timing plans with strong cross-functional buy-in to support on-time Gates and customer milestones achievement

Ensure customer MRDs are met on time with high-quality deliverables

Maintain positive working relationships with teams, plants and customers, including face-to-face visits as needed

Support achievement of program financial targets by validating business cases, reviewing CAR assumptions, and driving execution of financial roadmaps

Partner with program teams to develop and execute quality roadmaps that support launch and customer expectations

Support sourcing execution by ensuring make-versus-buy decisions are completed appropriately and purchased components are PPAP-ready on time with high quality suppliers

Take an active go-and-verify approach through plant and supplier visits at key points in the program lifecycle

Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, speed, and continuous improvement consistent with Tenneco core values

Perform other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or equivalent required

Master of Business Administration preferred

PMP certification preferred

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 5 years of experience in the automotive industry, with up to 8 years preferred

3 to 5 years of experience in another functional area such as Engineering, Operations, Finance, Quality, Sales, or Purchasing

Experience in at least 2 key functional areas, including Program Management, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Operations, or Sales

Proven knowledge of program management methodology, tools, and techniques

Experience participating in or leading cross-functional teams

REQUIREMENTS/CERTIFICATIONS:

Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead, motivate, and drive cross-functional teams

Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills

Strong execution, problem-solving, and quality focus

Fluent in English; additional language capability is a plus

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and MS Project

Ability to travel up to 25% as required, including international

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Often required to sit and use hands and fingers to handle or feel

Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

Vision abilities required include close vision

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate

Other Duties: Additional duties, responsibilities, and activities may be required

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.